We asked our ever-growing panel to assess the performances this season of players in the first team group. Then we did a sweepstake to allocate a player against a writer, and now offer you this personal view of the season each player has had.

By TTT Subscriber Michael Cheyne.

At the base of the human spine positioned at the centre of four connecting bones sits a concave, triangular structure called the sacrum. The etymology of the name can be traced back to the 2nd century Greek physician and philosopher Galen. Though the reason for the designation is unclear, translated into English sacrum means sacred as in “sacred bone”. It is because of its ancient Greek origins that scholars argue the name sacrum is in fact a mistranslation of a very similarly spelled Greek word meaning “strong”.

…interesting, but inscrutable…

He takes an almost imperceptible step to his left as Denis Suarez’s pass to Cedric Bakambu splits open the Liverpool defence. Then two more small steps to the left and then a slight shift of his weight to the right as if he’s a scale settling on its final measurement. It seems to be an almost innate understanding of the situation: how his positioning in respect to the goal (which he cannot see), the shape of his defenders in reference to Bakambu, and the attacker’s first touch will coalesce into a specific spot on the field where he knows the shot will be taken. He is crouching low, but not excessively so, ready in a way that you could describe as patient. Bakambu unleashes a well struck left footer destined for the bottom corner and immediately begins his goal celebration. That he must cut short this excess with an incredulous, balletic spin, hands on his head in disbelief, is the result of goalkeeping perfection.

…hmm, not quite right…

Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer,

And without sneering, teach the rest to sneer.

— “Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot” by Alexander Pope

This review is for Subscribers only.

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